40 days before Christmas, a strict fast begins, the last day of which falls on Holy Evening. On January 6, on Holy Night, the whole family is going to dine at the table immediately after the appearance of the first star in the sky, which is called Bethlehem. * The top in the form of a star on the Christmas tree is a symbol of that Bethlehem star, which pointed out to the shepherds the birthplace of the Savior. In ancient times, the meal was not started until the owner of the house put a table in the corner near the icons of Didukh - the first or after the collected straw sheaf of wheat or oats. Later, he became a symbol of Saint Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary and earthly father.

Until the end of the gala dinner, you can’t leave the house so as not to let in evil spirits. Previously, on the holy evening, it was customary to treat godparents with “kutya” in response, “second parents” gave symbolic surprises, money, and were also treated to delicious dishes.